Outlet Guide Vane Assembly Using an Inflatable Bladder
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of outlet guide vanes for twin-spool turbojet aircraft turbomachines is hindered by the delicate and time-consuming process of assembling prefabricated parts within a sealed pouch, which can lead to geometric and mechanical defects due to the risk of pouch perforation or tear, and the use of single-use consumables.
Innovation Solution
A method using an inflatable bladder to apply force between the cap and body of the vane, eliminating the need for a vacuum-sealed pouch, combined with a pouch that can hold the bladder in contact with the intrados, allowing for polymerization without an autoclave, and utilizing internal or external heating means to polymerize the resin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a vacuum-sealed pouch is used to assemble the cap and body, then the resin polymerization quality is improved by preventing porosity, but the assembly time increases and the risk of pouch perforation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of the vacuum pouch (applying contact force) and separates it from the vacuum requirement. The flexible pouch is used only to contain the bladder and apply force, while the bladder itself generates the contact force through inflation, eliminating the need for vacuum conditions and autoclave equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure from an inflatable bladder to apply the contact force between the cap and body. The bladder is inflated with gas to generate the necessary pressure, replacing the vacuum-based mechanical compression system with a pneumatic actuation system that is faster and eliminates pouch perforation risks.
2Force
If a sealed pouch is used to create vacuum for assembly, then the cap and body contact force is improved, but the pouch may be perforated or torn leading to defects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a flexible pouch as an intermediary element that contains the inflatable bladder. The pouch serves as a containment structure that allows the bladder to inflate and apply force uniformly to the cap and body, while the pouch itself can deform to accommodate the inflation process without requiring vacuum integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the vacuum-based force generation system with a pneumatic system using an inflatable bladder. The bladder is inflated with gas to generate the necessary contact force, eliminating the need for vacuum conditions and reducing the risk of pouch failure from pressure differentials.
3Manufacturing precision
If an airtight pouch with vacuum is used for polymerization, then porosity is prevented in the resin joint, but the process requires autoclave and single-use consumables
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of the autoclave system (heating for polymerization) and separates it from the vacuum pouch requirement. The flexible pouch with inflatable bladder is used solely for applying contact force, while heating can be performed by simpler means such as convection ovens or radiant heaters, eliminating the need for complex autoclave equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical vacuum compression system with a pneumatic inflation system. The inflatable bladder uses gas pressure to apply contact force, substituting the complex vacuum pump and sealed pouch system with a simpler pneumatic actuation mechanism that achieves the same force application function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces assembly time, avoids the use of single-use consumables, and ensures consistent contact force during polymerization, resulting in a more reliable and efficient production process with improved mechanical properties of the vane.
Implementation Method 1
a step to inflate the bladder thus held in contact with the intrados in order to apply a force on the cap to force the cap into contact with said junction face of the body
Implementation Method 2
a heating step to polymerise the resin and thus fix the cap on the body of the vane
Implementation Method 3
a heating step to polymerise the resin
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a member and a cap of a vane using a tool which allows the application of a pressing force of the cap against the member during a step of polymerisation by heating a resin for bonding these components. To this end, the tool includes an inflatable bladder and a pocket which surrounds the bladder and the vane so that the inflated bladder applies the pressing force. The heating can be carried out by resistors which are mounted in the bladder and/or using a device for supplying external heat.